ACTOR / PRODUCER / WRITEROfficially Inducted into the “National Wall of Role Models” on June 7, 2014 ( See full list www.BlackCanadianAwards.com

Dayo Ade is an actor, producer and writer. Originally born in Nigeria, West Africa but as a young child relocated to Calgary, Alberta, then London and finally growing up in Toronto, ON.

Dayo began his acting career at an early age playing BLT on the hit Canadian teen series “Degrassi Jr. High”, which has now become an International Franchise. After working on “Degrassi” for 4 years he moved to Los Angeles, CA to continue his acting career. During his 14 years in Hollywood, he has guest starred on shows such as “Lost”, “NCIS”, “NCIS Los Angeles”, “CSI New York”, “Scrubs”, “Alias”, “Star Trek”, and “Castle” just to name a few. He also played the role of MP Winston in the Feature film “Unthinkable”, starring Samuel Jackson and Godwin in the Feature film “Phat Girlz” starring Mo’nique.

Dayo recently returned to Toronto to play the recurring role of Dynasty on the critically acclaimed series “The L.A. Complex” for the CW Television Network. He is currently playing Leo Beckett, one of the leads on CBC’s hit cop drama series, “Cracked”. In addition to acting, Dayo has several Television and Film projects currently in development.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?I am an African man working hard towards leaving my mark on society. I love doing motivational speeches at schools I've attended and other schools within the TDSB speaking to the students about life and career choices.

Tell us what many people may not know about you? I grew up loving the Calgary stampede as it was my first introduction to Canadian culture when my family first moved to Calgary Alberta in the mid 70's.

What's your inspiration, how do you handle disappointments and get motivated?My inspiration is my beautiful Wife Kelly. She is one of the most selfless people I know, always thinking of how to help the people closest to her. I'm truly blessed to have found a woman who has a heart just like my mother.

How did you get to where you are now and what more do you hope to achieve?Growing up seeing my parents work 2-3 jobs each at a time to support their family is my motivation. If my parents could migrate to Canada in the mid 70's with three little kids and figure it out, then I can't make any excuses. Things to come other than more Acting, I am currently working on Producing my first television series while strengthening my ties as an entrepreneur in the community.

What would you like to be remembered for?I would like to be remembered for the work I did opening doors for the generations coming up after me and being a marker of success for others in their lives.How do you balance work, family, friends and leisure?That's still a work in progress. Balancing work, family, friends and leisure is not as easy as some may think when I comes to having a jam packed schedule like mine.

What's your experience as a Black person in Canada?It's always an uphill battle being a Blackman anywhere. I frequently find myself having to work that much harder to be recognized for the same amount of work as my peers. At the same time I always give thanks that I have been blessed to be doing what I LUV to do.Are there as many opportunities for Blacks in Canada that can produce role models, influencers and institutions like Beyonce, Tyler Perry, Obama, Oprah, BET, etc.I honestly have to answer No, there aren't as many opportunities for Black Canadian which was the reason I left for the U.S. However I've returned and am working with other influential Canadians to change the landscape for people of all minorities.

Mention a few of your favorite Black Canadian Leaders, Artists and Role Models?Michaelle Jean who was the first Black Governor General of Canada. Maestro Fresh Wes for putting Toronto on the Hip Hop map in the 80's/ 90's. Harry Jerome for overcoming the racial barriers in the Olympic and Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in MLB.

Should & do Blacks support / patronize black music, events and businesses?I personally feel we do, but not as much as we should. It's a conscious decision, therefore we need to raise awareness and educated each other to provide more support in business and other arenas of life. We need to be advocates of being part of the solution and not the problem.

What’s your understanding of Black History in Canada?Black History in Canada is still growing, and I plan on leave my mark like others did before me!